Resolute to Idle Coated Paper Machine at Catawba; will remove about 193,000 metric tons per year of coated paper capacity
(Canada, June 8, 2017) Resolute Forest Products on June 1 announced that it will idle a paper machine, PM 2, at its Catawba pulp and paper mill in South Carolina on June 30.
About 180 employees will be affected by the decision.
Resolute has experienced lower demand for all kinds of lightweight, coated paper products, including magazines, catalogs and flyer inserts, according to spokeswoman Debbie Johnston.
Production will be absorbed by Resolute’s other paper machine, No. 3, also in Catawba. That machine is larger and faster, Johnston said.
Resolute employs 600 people in Catawba, where it has a production capacity of 720,000 metric tpy of paper products. About 193,000 metric tpy of coated paper capacity will be eliminated by idling PM 2.
“We recognize the impact this decision will have on our employees, their families and the local community,” the company said in a statement. “As is customary, the company will work with affected employees and community representatives to mitigate the impact of the idling. We remain committed to customer service and to the delivery of high-quality products, and will work closely with customers to continue to meet their needs.”
Johnston said there are no current plans to restart the machine. (Source: Charlotte Observer and Charlotte Business Journal)
Cover Image: Catawba paper mill
